Hasty Brook is the loveliest place in my world. It's a little piece of heaven in northern Minnesota.

Sunday, November 02, 2008

And There Were Birds...

I don't think I've posted any bird photos yet so I'd better get started. I'll admit that the primary focus of the weekend for me was social. But sprinkled in among the laughter and talking and eating we did see some birds. I went on two guided field trips with Kathi and we all went together on a salt marsh tour aboard a boat called the Osprey. This trip was terrific, relaxing and fun.

Laura couldn't believe I was so excited to see a Greater Black-backed Gull. Dime-a-dozen out there but a lifer for me. Susan was thrilled to see this Peregrine Falcon munching on its lunch atop an osprey platform. We saw two more Peregrines on this boat trip.

Another lifer for me was this Brant. Brants are smaller geese with a kind of gurgling honk. It was a nice, soothing sound.

We saw both Snowy and Great Egrets. This one is a Snowy with its black bill and yellow feet.

During dinner at the C-View someone mentioned that they're really wanted to see an Oystercatcher. Beth mentioned that she saw one on the salt marsh tour and that we'd probably see one too. There were several feeding on this mud flat. Such neat little birds- and very vocal. Lifer!

Double-crested Cormorants like this one were common on the piers but I did get a decent look (but no picture) of a Great Cormorant flying over.

By the end of the weekend I had fourteen new life birds but better than that, I had some amazing new friends.

32 comments:

For this post, your blog comment title is MOST appropriate--peeps from the peeps.Well, finally, some birds. Here I wondered if you took time to see any.Just kidding--of course it was mostly social--the bird just gave you the reason to go!

Gee, looking at those pictures it almost seems as if you are on a summer bird trip. Guess it's the water and the shore type birds. I tell you that peregrine would have been the highlight for me - I'm dying to see one! Great post and pictures!

Great life birds Lynne, I could use that falcon and oystercatcher!! If you can believe it I lost my life list from a computer problem!! I guess I'll just have to keep it in my head.Great post Lynne, I know you will be getting a lot of life birds and life laughs with your new good friends!

With the exception of the egret and cormorant I have not seen these other birds. Once you see the Cormorant 'drying' his wings you never miss IDing him again! 14 new life birds is alot for a week end. Congrats!

Another great post. You saw some I have never seen too. I still photograph the gulls and my husband thinks I am crazy, he says "they are just those same old birds", I have at least got him looking close enough to see the gulls, terns and skimmers are DIFFERENT than each other. I might take him along this birder journey yet.

Dear Lynne,I am so happy you were able to take this trip and be with birds and buddies.That is the best!Lifers are always exciting too. Your photos are fantastic. I keep saying I need to get out of my backyard but I seldom do!Glad you did and shared with us.Sherry

lynne, I just read about the New River Birding and Nature Festival you have posted on your blog. I have never gone to any birding events and want to know..what events you would suggest I attend if I were to go? I probably wouldn't be able to stay more than two days..and I am just learning about birds and birding. Thanks.

Hi Tina- I signed up for the whol week and the festival director assigned me to day trips. There is one trip per day. I've never been there before but all of the trips sound fun. If you would like, I will send you and email with the trips that I'm doing. Kathi from Katdoc went to this festival last year and might have an opinion too.

More great photos! Sometimes I have a hard time being serious about birdig when I'm around new birders.-I tend to enjoy the social aspect more too.-I do my best birding aloe or maybe with one other birder.